How to Prepare and Cook Morel Mushrooms
Often difficult to find, morel mushrooms are a delicious edible fungus that only appears briefly after periods of warm rain between March and May. Morels are asily recognized by their distinctive spongelike, honeycombed cap. If you are lucky enough to find some, you will be rewarded with a succulent taste and a unique texture that can be served as a separate accompaniment to many meals or as a delicious addition to savory dishes. Their unusual appearance means that extra care must be taken in preparation and cooking, but your efforts are sure to impress even your most discerning guests. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Artist's paint brush
- Sharp knife
- Large bowl
- 3 tbsp. butter
- Saucepan
- Large needle and fishing line or string
Instructions
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Preparation
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1
Brush the holes in the cap carefully to remove any dirt or insects that may be inside.
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2
Cut the mushrooms in half lengthwise.
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3
Place into a bowl of water and soak for approximately two hours. Remove from the water, drain them and dab dry with a kitchen towel.
Using Morel Mushrooms
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4
Melt 3 tbsp. butter in a pan over a medium heat. Slice the mushrooms and add them to the pan. Saute for four to six minutes, then serve immediately as a side dish or as a topping for other dishes such as scrambled eggs.
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5
Slice the mushrooms and add them directly to stews or soups for extra flavor and texture.
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6
Preserve the mushrooms for later use. Thread string or fishing line through the mushrooms and hang them in a warm, well-ventilated area to dry naturally. Check after a few days and then daily. When they are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until needed. They can be added directly to soups or stews or reconstituted by soaking them for 20 to 30 minutes.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
